King Charles and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace when the £369m refurbishment is completed next March, preferring to remain at Clarence House, their London home since their marriage in 2005.
The decision, announced in the latest royal accounts, was taken to increase public access to the historic landmark, officials said. The 10-year renovation – replacing ageing cables, lead pipes, wiring and boilers, many for the first time in 60 years – was funded through a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant, the public money given to the king to carry out official duties.
“King Charles and Queen Camilla will not live in Buckingham Palace after £369m refurb, staying at Clarence House instead.”
“His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life,” a palace spokesperson said. “It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way.”
The king and queen, both in their late 70s, will have access to private rooms within the palace where they can retire during the day and for occasional overnight stays, said James Chalmers, keeper of the Privy Purse. “This is both a change from the past and a recognition of the future,” he added.
Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the sovereign since Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837, will continue as the administrative and ceremonial headquarters of the monarchy. “It is and will remain monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings,” Chalmers said.
The accounts also revealed that Charles paid £12.9m in income and capital gains tax on his private income for 2024-25, while Prince William paid £7.76m. The king has paid more than £30m in tax since his accession. There is no legal obligation for the monarch to pay tax, but Charles became the first to publish his bill.
The core Sovereign Grant will almost double from £51.8m in 2024-25 to £99.9m by 2027-28, after a review by the royal trustees – the prime minister, the chancellor and James Chalmers.
It is not known if Prince William intends to move into Buckingham Palace when he becomes king. For now, Charles and Camilla will host state banquets, garden parties and receptions at the palace, but when the king is in London, his Royal Standard will fly from both Buckingham Palace and Clarence House.